Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history by becoming the first female African artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States. This milestone was confirmed by Chart Data on September 30, 2025, and was driven largely by her global hit single "Wait for U," featuring Future and Drake.
Tems’ unprecedented achievement adds to her growing list of international accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance and recognition as the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. Her rise began with a breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s "Essence," which soared on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple Grammy nominations.
Currently on a world tour spanning major cities like Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, Tems continues to solidify her position as a leading voice in global music. She will soon headline a concert at the iconic Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a testament to her worldwide appeal.
This remarkable feat underscores Tems’ impact on music both in Africa and on the world stage, setting a high bar for African artists aspiring to global success.